Wednesday, September 1, 2010

GGP's Music Concourse Fountains Are a Turn On

A few months ago, we started a renovation project on the four historic fountains at the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park with the ultimate goal of turning on the fountains for the first time in six years.

The job is complete, thanks to $1.1 million from the state’s Prop 40 fund and about $400,000 from our Open Space reserves.

The project comes on the heels of a larger renovation of the entire Music Concourse area that eliminated three acres of paving, created a more pedestrian-friendly space and historically restored the concourse. The Spreckels Temple of Music was re-roofed and its decorative stone features were rejuvenated. New site furnishings, including light fixtures, bike racks, drinking fountains, historic touches, interpretive signs and trash receptacles were also added.

In all, the Music Concourse received more than $12 million from the state, Open Space reserves and $75,000 from Partners in Preservation Grant.

With the renovations of the de Young Museum and the Academy of Sciences also complete, the Music Concourse is now what everyone envisioned: a beautiful, welcoming plaza area that is teeming with activity throughout the week.

On September 10, at 9:30 a.m., we’ll be hosting a celebration event marking the completion of the fountains as well as the entire Concourse area. There’ll be a few brief remarks, entertainment and a small fountain ceremony. I invite all of you to come out and see the splendor of the new Concourse. You’ll like what you see.